Discussion

MONTE CRISTOS

Does anyone know where I can get a stellar monte cristo sandwich? The key here is that they MUST be battered and deep fried, a true monte cristo, not grilled. I've tried the one at the HMS Bounty - was good but unbelievably greasy.

CrepeVine Bistro in Old Town Pasadena. FABULOUS. Not greasy. Homemade strawberry compote served w/ it.

It's a lovely little French bistro located on 36 W. Colorado Blvd (in Mills Place alley in between Colorado and Green Streets - behind Jakes). My husband and I stumbled upon it this past summer; we live nearby in SoPas.

Yikes, I hated the monte cristo at Crepe Vine. Way too eggy, too much batter, too bready and definitely too greasy. Afterwards I felt like I ate a big gloppy mess.But I do compare it to the first and best monte cristo I've had, in the restaurant of the now long-defunct Buffum's department store.

They make them in the same kitchen, so the one you get at the French Market is the same as at The Blue Bayou, except without the sides. However, Disneyland recently raised the prices on everything at the Blue Bayou, so you'll be in for a sticker shock when you go get your Monte Cristo now (it's a little over $18 now, if I remember correctly, but it comes with a side dish).

There is a stand at the LA County Fair in Pomona that also makes a pretty good Monte Cristo. I can't remember the name of the stand, but it's the one that makes a deep fried version of just about anything you can think of (the fried artichokes were fabulous). Trouble is they are only in business (around here at least) for the three weeks a year that the fair runs.